Replacing The Hood...or Light?

[candyraver]

I bought a 20 gallon aquarium awhile back..& the lighting is horrible.
Starting to lose plants now.
Light only aims at plants in the middle.
I want a light that will aim at the plants in the front& back too.
What kind of hood should I purchase?
What lights?
Sorry,I'm sort of new to planted aquariums.
& Lighting is my problem.

 

[candyraver]

I bought a 20 gallon aquarium awhile back..& the lighting is horrible.
Starting to lose plants now.
Light only aims at plants in the middle.
I want a light that will aim at the plants in the front& back too.
What kind of hood should I purchase?
What lights?
Sorry,I'm sort of new to planted aquariums.
& Lighting is my problem.

Hmm,I read some threads...lighting was mentioned.
I can up my wattage I guess until I can purchase one of those more expensive fixtures that has great lighting on every angle....
I think I may have a "reflector" if thats what that glass is right under the light...

 

[LennyMansfield]

I bought a 20 gallon aquarium awhile back..& the lighting is horrible.
Starting to lose plants now.
Light only aims at plants in the middle.
I want a light that will aim at the plants in the front& back too.
What kind of hood should I purchase?
What lights?
Sorry,I'm sort of new to planted aquariums.
& Lighting is my problem.

Hmm,I read some threads...lighting was mentioned.
I can up my wattage I guess until I can purchase one of those more expensive fixtures that has great lighting on every angle....
I think I may have a "reflector" if thats what that glass is right under the light...

A reflector is between the hood and the bulb and it reflects the light that would be lost back into the tank. They are genrally shiny metal.

 

[Teelie]

A good reflector can refocus a good portion, almost half the light lost in some cases, I would also recommend going with a double light fixture if possible. It's not as good as some of the high wattage compacts but if you're not wanting to spend a lot of money, it works for most moderate lighting needs.

 

[candyraver]

Thanks!! I was considering saving up for compact lighting in the near future.
It's sold on "Drs Foster& Smith"

www.drsfosterandsmith.com

 

[LennyMansfield]

A good reflector can refocus a good portion, almost half the light lost in some cases, I would also recommend going with a double light fixture if possible. It's not as good as some of the high wattage compacts but if you're not wanting to spend a lot of money, it works for most moderate lighting needs.

I would agree with the double florescent. Check this one out:

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...p;N=2004+113349

 

[Teelie]

I have two of those. I'm gradually moving my larger tanks to double bulb fixtures. So far I have three of them with double lights and the amount of lighting before and after is quite noticiable.